Food fight erupts over tickets

Officials: It will provide security, convenience; many Iowans skeptical as some threaten boycott

9:23 PM,
Jan. 7, 2014

Written by

Emily Schettler
| For the Press-Citizen

A plan to eliminate cash sales at food vendors and other Iowa State Fair attractions drew strong backlash from Iowans soon after the new system was made public Tuesday, with some threatening to boycott the iconic summer event.

Officials said Tuesday that fairgoers will go "cashless" in 2014. Instead, visitors will buy tickets to use at food concessions and to ride the Giant Slide. The Midway is not included in the new plan.

State Fair spokesperson Lori Chappell said the new system is designed to provide security and convenience for vendors and fairgoers. ...